Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatuh,

 

This is quite a difficult scenario to be in. Of course, we want our children to be steadfast on the path of our Deen and being with fellow Muslims can help strengthen this and giving dawah by calling our neighbors to the path of Islam is a very honorable thing to do. However, there have also been cases where such people have become extreme and this has taken them far from the path to none that they feel is right, yet we know is wrong.

 

In this case, his sudden change of behavior could be seen as concerning, especially for those who don’t know about Islam as they may see his behavior as the same as those who eventually leave to join ISIS, however, it could also be completely harmless. Many people support political issues such as Palestine and hijab bans but are not extremists, they are simply supporting and protecting our fellow brothers and sister who are being oppressed. If people didn’t speak out about it, then things would not change and our Ummah would continue to suffer. Likewise, with him correcting your Qur’an recitation, this doesn’t have to be seen as a bad thing. We all have a responsibility to correct people on such matters both for our own sake, as well as for the one we are correcting.

 

The thing that may be especially difficult for you is that you live in an all-white society and his behavior is not conforming tithe local norm, which may make his behavior seem even more extreme than it actually is.

 

In other places where there are more Muslims who understands the situation for Muslims,  his behavior may be seen as less unusual as there will be others who stand for political injustices too. Of course, to be different in a community like the one you live in will only draw attention to his behavior and highlight concern, but at the same time, to blend in, would not allow you to practice Islam fully as people will notice your unusual way of dress for example.

 

In the case, that you feel there is genuine concern that what he is doing is not in line with Islamic teachings, that perhaps he is being negatively influenced in a way that you should fear that he will join an extremist organization begins by ensuring that mosque he is attending is sound.

 

Ask your husband or any local male relative to do this for you. Get them to check that they are not practicing or preaching an extreme version of Islam so that you can have peace of mind that he is not being guided wrongly by the religious leaders. If they check out, you could have your husband talk to the imam about your concerns. It seems your son is very respectful of the local mosque so he may tale more responsively to the advice of the religious leader in the mosque that he attends. Again, this will help you to feel comfortable that your son is under the guidance of trusted religious leaders and that he is supporting you and collaborating with you for the interests of your son.

Regarding discussions you have with him, perhaps you could suggest making some compromises that will still allow him to do dawah and support political causes, but in a way that is perhaps less extreme, yet achieves the same goal. For example, letting him known that dawah can be given in good character rather than diving straight into the religious element. So, being good to the neighbors will create a sense of trust in him as a Muslim as well as Muslims in general.

 

Him being kind and doing good things in the community will encourage positive views of Islam. This is when discussions in religion can take place as they desire to learn me about the religion practiced by this kind boy and his family. Furthermore, regarding his political stances, instead of making bold statements in the community, you could encourage him to support these causes more practically raising funds to assist the victims or even volunteering to help in some way on a more practical level, helping the victims, for example local refugees suffering at the hands of political challenges.

 

Continue to support your son as long as he is not going against Islam, to challenge him too much may only push him away, especially if what he is doing is Islamically sound. Strengthen you binds as a family son that he will be more likely to listen to your concerns as well as feeling that he has sufficient support at home that he does not need to go and search for this elsewhere with those who may lead him astray.

 

May Allah reward your concern and guide your so and you all on the straight path.